Radio Atlantic, IA – AM 1220

(Update) Woman found in sewer ditch id’d

February 13th, 2012 by Ric Hanson

Police in Council Bluffs have identified a woman who was found freezing in a sewer ditch Sunday afternoon. Officials say 24-year old Melissa Ramirez spent at least 24-hours in a sewer ditch before being rescued. Ramirez told officers with the Council Bluffs Police Department she’d been walking along a retaining wall Saturday, and accidentally fell into the sewer opening near 515 North 6th Street. She was found at around 4:45-p.m. Sunday, by two men. Ramirez was said to have been naked, from the waist down. Authorities said she had been apparently been suffering from hypothermia after having spent Saturday night outside in sub-zero air temperatures. Paramedics took the woman to a Council Bluffs hospital, where she was reported to be in critical condition.

Police and fire officials have not been authorized to release any updates on her medical condition. The case remains under investigation.